December 22, 2020
The University of Kansas Tobacco Treatment Specialist training program has been accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs, joining just 23 other such accredited programs in the world. The program supplies healthcare professionals with the latest evidence-based tobacco cessation research and treatment strategies to provide effective treatment for tobacco dependence.
The program launched in 2016 with funding from the Kansas Health Foundation. Since 2016, about 157 individuals have received training through the course, which was done in collaboration with another accredited tobacco treatment training program located out of state.
A second grant awarded in 2019, also from the Kansas Health Foundation, supported the development of the program’s curriculum, as well as pilot testing and evaluation, leading to accreditation. The program educates a wide variety of professionals across the state, including clinicians, nurses, public health professionals, social workers and more. Babalola Faseru, MD, MPH, associate professor and member of The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control research program, helps lead the program.
“This program builds our capacity to tackle tobacco dependence by providing trainees with the skills and tools needed to assess and treat tobacco users, champion organizational system changes that will enhance equitable tobacco treatment services and advocate for tobacco prevention and control policies within their organizations and communities,” Dr. Faseru said. “Now, people in Kansas can receive training close to home.”